What began as a conversation between two local high school students has grown into one of the most effective youth-driven programs in La Crescenta Valley. The Impact Foundation LA’s CV Youth Ambassador Program serves as an example of what can happen when young people are trusted and given the proper tools to lead.
Founded in 2021 in response to a troubling spike in fentanyl and methamphetamine overdoses, The Impact Foundation LA has focused its work around mobilizing the community in preventing youth and adult overdose deaths. Early on, the coalition recognized that youth needed to be at the center of the solution, but according to Program Director Victoria Malone, “the challenge was figuring out how to make that happen.”
Enter two local students, whose experience and leadership helped shape what would become the coalition’s official youth ambassador program. After two years of dedicated leadership and their high school graduation, the program became an official on-campus high school club and expanded to include eight new youth leaders to carry on the program. Through the program, students educate their peers about substance misuse on a monthly basis and help lead events across their community. They regularly meet with groups of 20-30 students to engage in discussions about the dangers of substance misuse and plan community events to raise awareness and promote prevention.
In addition to their direct engagement, the coalition has launched its core measure data surveys to better understand youth perspectives on substance use and community support. Their idea is to use youth feedback to better inform their prevention strategies and shape solutions that more effectively address the needs of young people.
Beyond the youth ambassador program, The Impact Foundation LA has worked alongside local organizations to help reduce the stigma around substance use, one of the greatest challenges they face. Since their community is often perceived as an affluent area that is home to strong school systems and high-achieving students, the pressure to succeed and live up to an image of excellence can push people beyond their limits. Some students have turned to stimulants to stay awake while studying, unaware that a single pill could be fatal. The community has already tragically lost three students to fentanyl-laced pills.
“It’s time to break the stigma, address the hidden struggles, and create a space where support and honesty take precedence over appearances,” says Director Malone.
To that end, the coalition regularly hosts and participates in events and community forms to engage with thousands of parents, educators, and the broader community. As part of their prevention strategy, they emphasize harm reduction by hosting How to Administer Narcan events. With support from the California Health Department, the coalition has distributed more than 500 free NARCAN kits and provided training to over 200 community members on how to administer it. These actions ensure that more people will be prepared to act in the event of an overdose.
Next up, The Impact Foundation LA is developing an awareness campaign around California’s Good Samaritan Law. In several local cases, young people have failed to call emergency services during an overdose due to fear of legal repercussions. However, this law provides protection to those who assist individuals in medical distress, an important message that the coalition is determined to spread.
Interested in getting involved? Connect with the coalition directly, or attend their CV Cares Wellness Fair on May 10.
